Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Capital: Sofia
Currency: Bulgarian Lev- BGN
BGN

Bulgaria Labor Law and Employment Policy Overview

Employment Law Overview

  • Key Laws and Regulations:
    • Labor Code
    • Social Security Act
    • Tax Code
  • Legal Characteristics:
    • Protects employee rights and benefits
    • Promotes employment and economic growth
    • Ensures sustainability of social security system

Employment Contract Requirements

  • Contract Types:
    • Indefinite contracts
    • Fixed-term contracts
  • Contractual Provisions:
    • Must include job description, remuneration, working hours, vacation, etc.
  • Language and Currency:
    • Contracts must be written in Bulgarian
    • Currency is Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Working Time Regulations

  • Standard Working Hours: 40 hours per week
  • Rest Days and Breaks:
    • Minimum of 24 hours of rest per week
    • Minimum of 12 hours of rest per day

Vacation Policy

  • Annual Leave: Minimum of 20 days per year
  • Public Holidays: 12 statutory public holidays
  • Special Leaves:
    • Sick leave: Paid by employer for first 3 days, then by Social Security Fund
    • Maternity leave: 410 days, including 45 days before childbirth
    • Paternity leave: 15 days
    • Parental leave: Up to 2 years of age of child

Employee Dismissal and Contract Termination

  • Notice Period:
    • Indefinite contracts: 30 days
    • Fixed-term contracts: 3 months before contract expiry
  • Severance Pay:
    • Dismissal without just cause: 1-4 months' salary
    • Economic redundancy: 1 month's salary
  • Unfair Dismissal Protection: Employees have the right to appeal unfair dismissals

Tax Law

  • Personal Income Tax:

    • Salary RangeTax Rate
      0 - 30,0000%
      30,000 - 45,00010%
  • Social Security Contributions:

    • Employer: 17.3%
    • Employee: 13.72% - 14.82%

Health Insurance

  • Insurance Policy: All employees must participate in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)
  • Coverage: Basic healthcare services

Compensation and Benefits

  • Minimum Wage: BGN 780 per month
  • Salary Structure: Typically includes base salary, bonuses, and allowances

Work Permits and Visas

  • Permit Requirement: Non-EU/EEA citizens require work permits
  • Application Process:
    • Employer applies to the Bulgarian Employment Agency
    • Applicant provides passport, educational credentials, and employment contract

Confidentiality and Non-Compete Clauses

  • Enforceability: Confidentiality and non-compete clauses are enforceable in Bulgaria
  • Common Provisions:
    • Confidentiality clauses: Prohibit disclosure of employer's confidential information
    • Non-compete clauses: Restrict employee from working for competitors after leaving employment

Training and Development

  • Legal Requirements: Employers must provide safety training and skills development training to employees
  • Government Support: Government provides training programs and funding

Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

  • Legal Requirements: Prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics
  • Enforcement: Commission for Protection against Discrimination enforces anti-discrimination laws

Remote Work Policy

  • Legal Framework: Remote work is legally supported in Bulgaria
  • Tax and Insurance Implications: Tax and social security implications of remote work vary depending on specific circumstances

Authoritative Website Addresses

1.Bulgaria Labor Law and Employment Policy Overview
1.1Employment Law Overview
1.2Employment Contract Requirements
1.3Working Time Regulations
1.4Vacation Policy
1.5Employee Dismissal and Contract Termination
1.6Tax Law
1.7Health Insurance
1.8Compensation and Benefits
1.9Work Permits and Visas
1.10Confidentiality and Non-Compete Clauses
1.11Training and Development
1.12Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
1.13Remote Work Policy
1.14Authoritative Website Addresses